Cinemas prepared for protests over 'Inxeba'

Article By: Staff reporter

Tue, 06 Feb 2018 10:47 AM

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The screening of the controversial South African film Inxeba is set to continue at various Ster-Kinekor cinemas across the country despite death threats and possible protests from disgruntled citizens.

The highly regarded movie, filmed completely in isiXhosa, tells the story of unrequited love between two male initiates as well as their battles to come to terms with and reconcile their identities with society.

Screenings have, however, been cancelled at Nu Metro cinemas both in Canal Walk and Walker Park in Port Elizabeth due to possible “security threats”.

The uproar reached a high over the weekend when member of the cast and staff at cinemas received death threats.

Many public figures, including local musician and celebrity Loyiso Bala, have condemned the film for being culturally insensitive, misrepresentational and disrespectful.

Bala tweeted saying: “The release of ‘Inxeba’ totally ridicules and disrespects the wishes and traditions of the Xhosa culture. If we, as a country, cannot protect our own cultural beliefs and differences, no one else will do it for us.”

The musician also said that Xhosa traditions deserve the same level of respect as the Muslim Prophet Mohammad and that the film should therefore be banned.

Despite the widespread outcry many have defended the film saying it does not reveal anything about Xhosa culture that has not already been said.

Just watched #Inxeba. It was dope. These detractors are crying about a movie they have not watched. Not a single secret re the traditional initiation rite was revealed. They must sit down. Plain and simple fragile masculinity and homophobia la.

I am Xhosa man who is proud of his culture, & have noted the outrage against #Inxeba. I wish the same outrage by my fellow Xhosa brothers gainst:1. Women Abuse2. Poor matric results in EC3. Deaths of initiates 4. Landlessnes and poverty5. Underdevelopment in the EC